gineers, and made all necessary examinations so as to determine, whether a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water could be obtained for present and future purposes, whether its introduction into the city would be practicable at an elevation precluding the use of machinery, and also what would be the probable cost of completing the projected work. Their report satisfied the Legislature that a supply of pure and wholesome water was of great importance to the city -- that its introduction was feasible,
and that the expense was within the financial ability of the citizens. Accordingly an Act* was passed by the Legislature, on the 2d of May, 1834, which provided for the appointment of five Water Commissioners by the Governor and Senate, and they were required " to examine and consider all matters relative to supplying the city of New-York with a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water ; to adopt
such plan as in their opinion will be most advantageous for securing such supply, and to report a full statement and description of the plan adopted by them ; to ascertain, as
near as may be, what amount of money may be necessary to carry the same into effect ; to report an estimate of the probable amount of revenue that will accrue to the city, upon the completion of the work, and the reasons and calculations upon which their opinion and estimates may be founded ; such report to be made and presented to the Common Council of the city on or before the first day of January, 1836."